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oikonos - Ecosystem Knowledge

CLIMATE CHALLENGE: Effects on Habitat and Species

GRANT AWARD: $200,000; YEAR AWARDED: 2020

California islands are scarce, have high endemism, and serve as a refuge for 385,000 of 17 species of seabirds. These species are critical to the biodiversity and ecosystem function of islands, serving as “ecosystem engineers” through terrestrial nesting and depositing essential marine nutrients in their guano. Increasing temperatures resulting from climate change have created conditions that are less favorable for seabird survival. Oikonos has customized durable, climate-resilient ceramic nests that prevent temperatures that are fatal for eggs and breeding birds. In addition to temperature control, the ceramic nests also prevent trampling caused by climate-driven spatial and temporal shifts of marine mammals. The project team plans to install 185 of these nests in restoration areas that can provide long-term climate-adapted habitat, helping protect seabird species from multiple climate stressors.

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Keep 'Em Cool - Climate resilient seabird nests

Link to Video

For half a century, biologists have used artificial nests to help seabird populations by providing safe places to raise chicks and study their breeding biology. But climate change now threatens this success.

As seabird colonies experience warmer days and more frequent heat waves, overheating can result in stress, nest abandonment, and even mortality.

To solve this problem, biologists and artists are working together to design cooler nests customized for the needs of each species. With attention to design and materials, artificial nests can continue to be effective and safe in restoration and research projects. Cool innovations can give seabirds some resiliency to adapt as their world rapidly changes.

 

 

The WCS Climate Adaptation Fund: proudly supporting innovative actions to address the impacts of climate change since 2011

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